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Have We Already Given Up On Our 2014 Fitness Goals?

I asked that question this Saturday when I was able to find a parking spot for my 10:30am yoga class at 10:22 at Equinox. Stick with me. This was the first Saturday of 2014 that the parking lot wasn't completely full and I didn't have to arrive at the gym at 10:15 to get a spot for the 10:30 class. In fact, the class wasn't even nearly full. I wasn't stuck in the corner near the dirty yoga mats. I was able to secure a spot smack dab in the middle of the room. This got me wondering: Have we already given up on our 2014 resolutions to get in better shape?Experts say most people give up just after a month. I know that sticking to a diet and staying committed to an exercise program isn't easy. It's much easier to cancel a 6am workout in favor of an extra half hour of sleep in or go to happy hour after work versus a hitting the gym on a Monday. I am not a doctor, scientist or medical professional but I do have years of "exercise experience" and acquired knowledge. When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body. You know that "runner's high"? Thank those endorphins. Exercise truly is nature's antidepressant and the fountain of youth.

Fighting through a barre class!

You do not have to kill yourself exercising, either. I've said this a million timeson this blog but there are a number of ways you can get your heart pumping, burn some calories and do your body some good:

Another trick? Try logging your workouts. It's a great way to set goals for yourself and monitor your progress. I have logged my workouts since college. There's nothing better than looking back over the past few years, seeing what you did on a particular day and how you felt about it.

The Takeaway
Don't give up on those resolutions to get in better shape. It's one of the best things you can do for yourself to make you feel better in an instant. The weight you lose or extra muscle you gain are simply a nice bonus.